Ammunition and weapon systems

ABSTRACT

A weapon system employing encapsulated ammunition in which the pressure chamber, located axially rearward of the projectile, is longitudinally or axially offset from but in fluid communication with the propellant capsule chamber. This permits use of ammunition rounds having reduced length for given characteristics of prior rounds, resulting in lightest weight and improved bulk characteristics for the ammunition as well as associated weapon systems. This ammunition concept is adaptable to recoilless, partially recoilless and closed breech ballistic systems in a variety of arrangements.

i Mute tates Patent 1 1 1111 3,872,615 Grandy Mar. 25, 1975 1 1AMMUNITION AND WEAPON SYSTEMS 3,713,240 1/1973 Goldin 42/39.5 65,116101973 Zz'd 42 9 [76] Inventor: Andrew J. Grandy, 2707 Grant 3 7 u /8Ave, North Hills, Pa. 19038 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS 32 Filed; s17 973 927,516 5/1947 France 102/38 [21 1 Appl' 3975 PrimaryEramincr-Benjamin A. Borchelt Related U.S. Application Data AssistantE.\'muinerC. T. Jordan [6. Division of Ser. No. 239,595, March 30, 1972.

i A [52] U.S. Cl 42/49 R, 42/15, 42/39.5, [57] BSTRACT 412/50 42/59 Aweapon system employing encapsulated ammuni- 511 Int. Cl. t. F42b 25/00tion in which the Pressure Chamber. located axially [58] Fi ld f S a h42/49 R 50 87 89 rearward of the projectile, is longitudinally oraxially 43 15 395 59 1 F 1 39 155; 102 33 offset from but in fluidcommunication with the propellant capsule chamber. This permits use ofammuni [56] References Cit d tion rounds having reduced length for givencharacter- UNITED STATES PATENTS istics of prior rounds, resulting inlightest weight and 4 L I 47 15 improved bulk characteristics for theammunition as g fs well as associated weapon systems. 1.741i902 12/1929Alden 42/1 G This ammunition concept is adaptable to recoilless,2,790,353 4/1957 Bird 42/39.5 partially recoilless and closed breechballistic systems 2,830.398 4/1958 Donohue 42/59 in a variety ofarrangements, 2,856,716 10/1958 Compton 42/395 3.446.111 5/1969 Dardick42/39.5 63 Claims, 67 Drawing Figures PATENTED 3,872,615

SHEET 08 0F 10 FIG.54

1 7' I, il Q 41/ PATENTED I 3,872,615 SHEET DSUF 10 i an lllllll!AMMUNITION AND WEAPON SYSTEMS This is a division of application Ser. No.239,595, filed Mar. 30, 1972.

The invention described herein may be manufactured, used, and licensedby or for the Government for governmental purposes without the paymentto me of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to ammunition and weapon systems therefor, andmore particularly to a variety of such systems each having the capacityto utilize cartridge capsule ammunition.

Present day cylindrical ammunition does not represent the mostefficient, over-all cartridge with respect to bulk and weight.

It is an object of the invention to provide weapon arrangements andcartridge capsule ammunition rounds for use therewith which are oflightness in weight and have improved bulk characteristics.

Another object of the invention is to provide such ammunition and weaponarrangements that can be advantageously used as particularly recoilless,fully recoilless or closed breech ballistic systems.

A further object of the invention is to provide such arrangements thatcan be advantageously used in either fixed projectile or bolt rammedprojectile systems.

A further object of the invention is to provide such arrangements thatfacilitate an improved manner of removing spent ammunition rounds fromthe firing chamber of the weapon.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means forattaching the cartridges in arrangements that can be advantageously usedin single shot, semiautomatic and fully automatic weapons.

Another object of the invention is to provide specific capsule cartridgeshapes resulting in efficient packaging arrangements which can beadvantageously used in rotary fed and in-line fed single shot,semi-automatic and fully automatic weapons.

A further object of the invention is to provide both individual capsulecartridges and muIti-cavity, unitized cartridge arrangements which canbe advantageously used in rotary fed and in-line fed, single shot,semiautomatic and fully automatic weapons.

These and other objects, features and advantages will become apparentfrom the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1-4 are perspective views of a variety of ammunition roundsembodying the principles of the inventron.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the FIG. 1 round.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view ofa portion of a closed breechweapon system for the FIG. 5 round.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along lines 7-7 of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of certain portions of the FIG. 6 arrangementsubsequent to firing.

FIGS. 9-13 are views, similar to FIGS. l-5, of a modified group ofammunition rounds.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a recoilless orpartially recoilless weapon system for the FIGS. 9-13 rounds.

FIGS. 15-19 are similar views ofa modified group of ammunition rounds.

FIGS. and 21 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapon systems associated with the rounds of FIGS. 15-19.

FIGS. 22-26 are views, similar to FIGS. 15-19, of a modified group ofammunition rounds.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapon systems associated with the rounds of FIGS. 22-26. I

FIGS. 29-32 are perspective views of a further modified group of rounds.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective views of clusters of capsules of theFIG. and FIG. 32 rounds, respectively.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are perspective views of clusters of capsules of theFIG. 32 and FIG. 31 rounds, respectively.

FIG. 37 is an end view of a modified form of cluster arrangement.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view ofa modified cluster arrangement.

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a linking clip member andammunition round used in. the FIG. 39 arrangement.

FIGS. 41-44 are end views of integral multiple cavity containers ofcartridge capsule portions arranged in cylindrical form.

FIG. 45 is a sectional view taken along line 45-45 of FIG. 41.

FIG. 46 is a longitudinal sectional view of aportion of a closed breechweapon system for the FIGS. 41-44 ammunition.

FIG. 47 is a longitudinal sectional view, partially broken away, ofmulti-cavity container modifications for the FIGS. 41-44 cylinders.

FIG. 48 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion I munitioncylinders, and FIG. 52A is a partial sectional v view taken along line52A-52A of FIG. 52.

FIGS. 53 and 54 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapon systems associated with the FIG. 52 ammunition containers.

FIG. 55 is a longitudinal sectional view of a propellant capsule portionof a multi-cavity rectangular prism ammunition cluster.

FIG. 56 is a partial sectional view taken along line 56-56 of FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a sectional view taken along line 5757 of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a longitudinal sectional view'of a portion of a closed breechweapon system for the FIG. 55 ammunition prisms.

FIGS. 59-61 are views similar to FIG. 55 of modified arrangements.

FIG. 62 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a recoilless orpartially recoilless weapon system for the FIG. 59 ammunition prisms.

FIGS. 63 and 64 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapons systems associated with the FIG. ammunition prisms.

FIGS. 65 and 66 are longitudinal sectional views of modified portions ofweapon systems associated with the FIG. 61 ammunition prisms.

The FIG. 1 encapsulated ammunition round shown generally at 101 includesa thin capsule 102 (FIG. of ferrous, non-ferrous or synthetic materialof predetermined contour. Preferably ferrous, the cartridge capsule hasan elongated substantially cylindrical chamber 103 and a propellantchamber 104 integral therewith but longitudinally offset therefrom. Anintermediate necked down metering orifice 105 interconnects or fluidlycommunicates the propellant chamber 104 with the pressure chamberportion 106 of the cylindrical chamber 103. A projectile 107 is slidablyreceived in the forward barrel portion 108 of chamber 103 inlongitudinal alignment with the pressure cham' ber portion 106. Anappropriate percussion primer 109 is secured in a suitably recessed andapertured rear wall portion of the capsule 102, preferably aligned withthe propellant chamber 104 which contains the desired granular. flake.sheet or solid grain propellant 110. The transverse sections and endwalls 111 of the FIG. 1 round propellant chamber are of substantiallyrectangular configuration. The embodiments of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are ofsubstantially the same construction as the FIG. 1 round. but thetransverse sections and corresponding end walls 112, 113, and 114 are ofconfigurations which are substantially square, triangular, andcylndrical. respectively.

The portion of the closed breech weapon system (FIGS. 6-8) includes asubstantially cylindrical barrel 120 having an axially offset capsulechamber 121 integral therewith, both the barrel and capsule chamberhaving a somewhat shortened common wall portion 122 to accommodate theFIG. 1 round prior to firing (FIG. 6) which function is accomplishedafter the barrel lug 123 and capsule chamber lug 124 are simultaneouslyengaged by the opposed hook or locking lugs 125, 126 of the rotatableand longitudinally translatable breech means or bolt 127. The closedbreech type bolt 127 has a firing pin 128, biased by spring 129surrounding the firing pin rod or stem 130, with its receptive breechopening 131 in operative alignment with the primer of the round to befired. The barrel 120 has a transverse opening 120A and an appropriateconduit 120C to direct gas energy for further weapon operation. Anejection rod 134 is slidably mounted in an apertured forward wall 135 ofcapsule chamber 121 to rearwardly eject a fired or undesired round whenthe bolt 127 has been rotated out of locking engagement and translatedrearward (FIG. 8). The chamber wall 135 is internally recessed tonormally seat the ejection rod head 136. The capsule chamber 121 has acrosssection of substantially rectangular configuration to receive thepropellant capsule portion of the FIG. 1 round. For firing of the FIGS.2, 3, or 4 rounds, this transverse section configuration issubstantially square, triangular or cylindrical, respectively.

The ammunition rounds of FIGS. 913 are distinguished from the FIGS. 1-5rounds in that the upper cylindrical portion 103A of the thin capsulerearward walls each have a press fitted blow out disc 103C or apre-formed weakened section as defined by an internal recess 103E (FIG.13) in the pressure chamber rearward wall portions. The disc or weakenedsection 103C operatively aligns with the recoilless or partiallyrecoilless weapon nozzle 127A (FIG. 14) of the rearwardly enlargingtapered recoil vent 127C provided in the breech or bolt 127. The forwardinternal surface of the nozzle 127A is formed with a substantially sharpannular edge to facilitate positive shearing action upon the operativeportion of the weakened section 103C when sufficient propellant pressureis generated in the pressure chamber portion of cylindrical chamber 103by the ignited propellant 110.

The ammunition rounds of FIGS. 15-19 contain several variations fortheir operative firings in the fixed projectile, inserted bolt weaponsystems of FIGS. 20 and 21. The capsule cylindrical chamber 203 has anopen rearward end 206A adjacent its pressure chamber portion 206, andcontains a bottom gas vent 203A which is substantially in verticalalignment with the blow out disc or pre-formed weakened section 204Adefined by internal recess 204C in the upper wall of capsule propellantchamber 204. A suitable primer 209 is located in the rearward wall ofthe propellant chamber which is integrally connected with chamber 203 bythe forwardly opening cavity side and rearward walls 205.

In both the FIG. 20 closed breech and FIG. 21 recoilless or partiallyrecoilless weapon systems the common wall portion 222, for thecylindrical barrel 220 and axially offset capsule chamber 221,terminates with a rearwardly extending tongue 222A that fits into theconnecting cavity and abuts the cavity rear wall 205 upon loading of theround. Tongue 222A has a vertical gas vent passage 222C that placescapsule chambers 203 and 204 in fluid communication upon firing of theround as the developed pressure gas blows out a portion of the weakenedsection 204A at the sharp edged passage 222C and enters the pressurechamber 206 adjacent the concave recess 227E provided in the forwardface of the reduced tip portion 227G on the bolt 2278. The bolt 227B islongitudinally translatable in the rotational and longitudinallytranslatable breech member 227. With bolt lug or pin 227H slidable inlongitudinal slot 227F of member 227, the bolt is withdrawn rearwardlyprior to operative disengagement and engagement of the breech hooking orlocking lugs 225, 226 with the barrel lug 223 and capsule chamber lug224. A recoilless or partially recoilless weapon nozzle 227A (FIG. 21)is provided in bolt 2278 at the juncture of the rearwardly enlargingtapered recoil vent 227C and the concave recess 227E.

The ammunition rounds of FIGS. 2226 are distinguished from the FIGS.15-19 rounds in that the upper portion of the capsule cylindricalchamber 203 has a lengthwise split or slotted wall 203C. A plurality ofcamming or dimple means 203E are provided on the internal surface of thepressure cli'amber portion 206 adjacent the slotted wall 203C and justrearward of projectile 107. This will facilitate the release and barrelchambering of the projectile as the longitudinally translatable bolt 250(FIGS. 27 and 28) cams the dimple means 203E to spread the inwardlydirected substantially annular flange 240 and pushes the projectile toits final pre-firing position in barrel 260. Cylindrical barrel 260differs from barrel 220 in that an additional intermediate internalrecessed surface 261 is provided rearwardly adjacent the rifling 262 toaccommodate the forwardmost portion of bolt 250 in its firing position,while a further recessed surface 263 accommodates the spread portions ofsplit chamber wall 203. The longitudinal slot 271 of the rotational andlongitudinally translatable breech member 270 is substantially longerthan slot 227F, such that the lug or pin 227H on bolt 250 can beaccommodated for its intended full stroke. The forward end of bolt 250has a forwardly opening nozzle surface 253 that intersects with aconcave recess 254 provided on the underside of the bolt, so that thepressure chamber portion 206 fluidly communicates gas vent passage 222Cwith the rearward end of projectile 107 in both the FIG. 27 closedbreech and FIG. 28 recoilless or partially recoilless weapon systems.The rearwardly enlarging tapered recoil vent 256 (FIG. 28) in bolt 250intersects concave recess 254 at the effective recoilless nozzle throat257.

The ammunition rounds of FIGS. 2932 are each provided with alongitudinally extending groove 104L of dovetail transverseconfiguration throughout the entire length of a selected propellantcapsule chamber wall portion 104, as well as a rib or tongueprotuberance 104M of substantially similar dovetail configuration alongthe length of an opposed longitudinally extending wall portion. Whereeach substantially similar round has its corresponding tongue and groovesurfaces 104M, 104L extending in parallel planes, successive similarcartridge capsules can be integrally linked or connected (FIG. 33, 34)in a substantially straight line cluster pattern. The correspondingdovetailed tongue and groove surfaces of similar rounds can also beformed or oriented in non-parallel planes such that successive similarcapsules can be integrally linked or matingly joined to form an arcuateor circular cluster pattern or array (FIGS. 35, 36). Each cluster may beheld in an appropriate feeding and stripping mechanism (not shown) whichwill enable the corresponding breech member to longitudinally translateeach stripped round into its weapon position prior to rotational lockingmotion of the breech member. It is contemplated that each of thepreviously described rounds (FIGS. 5, 13,19, and 26) may be sodovetailed for integral linking or connecting purposes, and each firedin their respective weapons which can be slightly altered to accommodatethe protruding rib or tongue. The breech locking arrangement on each ofthe respective weapons also can be relocated to a position somewhatrearward to enable the forward portion of the bolt to have acrosssectional shape similar or identical to that of the particularcartridge to be chambered.

A modified cluster arrangement (FIG. 37) includes an annular linkingmember 300 of substantially rearwardly opening U-shaped configuration(FIG. 38) having a plurality of equally spaced arcuate or concaverecesses 301 along its peripheral or outermost surface 302 toaccommodate an arcuate undersurface portion of the capsule cylindricalchamber 203 on the FIG. 17 ammunition rounds. The rounds are slidforward onto the metal link ring 300 at each recessed surface 301 suchthat the ring cradles each round at the rearmost clearance between itspropellant chamber 204 and projectile 107 or its supporting cylinder203. It is contemplated that the ring 300 be formed to cluster similarrounds from any of the groups associated with FIGS. 5, 13, 19 or 26 andthat the cluster can be suitably mounted and indexed on weapon systemcylindrical stubs of the type to be later described with unitary andradially arranged ammunition containers or clusters.

The modified cluster arrangement (FIG. 39) employs a plurality ofindividual clip members 320 (FIG. 40) which are shown to be joined orlinked by insertion of respectiveFIG. 1 capsule cartridges 101 intoselected substantially C-shaped wings or clip portions of adjacent clips320. Each link member 320 is formed from a pre-slotted blank or metalmember and-contains a substantially straight integral or common portionand upper and lower groups of alternately disposed loop portions 321,322, 323 and 321A, 322A, 323A. The upper loops are formed to enablesimultaneous reception of the cartridge capsule cylindrical chamber 103and projectile 107 by longitudinally spaced loops 323, 321 of one linkand intermediate loop 322 of an adjacent link, while the substantiallyrectangular propellant capsule portion 104 is clipped or received byrespective loop portions 323A, 321A of the one link and middle loop 322Aof the adjacent link. The substantially straight line type of cluster(FIG. 39) so formed can be used in the same manner as the unitaryrectangular ammunition containers or clusters to be later described.Clip members 320 can also cluster separate groups of cartridges of FIGS.9, 15, 22. The width of the straight common portion of the C-shaped clipportions can be reduced such that similar clips can cluster separategroups of cartridges of FIGS. 2, 10, 16, 23 as well as FIGS. 4, 12, 18,25. The clipping or clustering of separate groups of cartridges of FIGS.3, 11, 17, 24 can be accomplished where the pre-formed slits of the clipbank are of sufficient length that the lower loops can be bent orinclined to facilitate insertion of the rounds.

The integral or unitary multiple cavity containers 400A, 400B, 400C,400D (FIGS. 4144) are preferably made of ferrous, non-ferrous orsynthetic material in cylindrical form to contain a cluster of cartridgecapsule portions similar to the respective ammunition rounds of FIGS.1-4. The annular container 400A has a central cylindrical opening 401(FIGS. 41, 45) and includes a plurality of circumferentially spacedcavities that are defined by integral cartridge capsule portions 402each having a cylindrical chamber 403 and longitudinally offsetpropellant chamber 404 which is interconnected by metering orifice 405at the rearmost edge of separating wall 405A. Orifice 405 fluidlycommunicates the propellant chamber 404 with the pressure chamberportion 406 of chamber 403 whose forward barrel portion 408 slidablyreceives projectile 107. A suitable primer 409 is secured in anappropriately recessed and apertured rear wall portion of each cartridgecapsule portion 402, preferably aligned with propellant chamber 404 thatcontains the desired propellant 110. An appropriate substantiallyannular ring shaped end wall closure 411 is suitably secured withcementor the like to seal the forward end of each propellant chamber 404having a rectangular transverse configuration. Containers 400B, 400C,and 400D will require similar ring end wall closures that suitably sealtheir respective propellant chambers of substantially square, triangularand cylindrical configurations.

The central opening 401 of each annular container 400A, 400B, 400C,400D, is slidably received on the cylindrical stub 420A (FIG. 46) thatextends rearwardly from the weapon housing 420B and parallel to butsubstantially offset or below the barrel 420 of the closed breech weaponsystem for the FIGS. 41-44 cylindrical capsule containers or clusters.Preferably, stub 420A has a tapered rearward end and is centrallylocated within the rearwardly opening weapon housing annular wall 421 tofacilitate the reception of the cylindrical or annular containers thatcan .be delivered by the longitudinally translatable breech means orbolt 427 prior to rotation of the breech to simultaneously secure theopposed hook or locking lugs 425, 426 in engagement with the weaponhousing lugs 423, 424. After each successive cartridge capsule portionis suitably indexed to a firing position by means not shown, actuationof spring 429 surrounding the rod or stem 430 of firing pin 428 willinitiate the aligned primer 409 to fire the round. When all of therounds in the cluster or container have been fired, bolt 427 is rotatedout of locking engagement and translated rearward to permit the spentcontainer to be replaced by another multicapsule cluster or container.

The multi-cavity ammunition containers of FIG. 47 are distinguished fromthe FIG. 45 ammunition cylinders in that the rearward walls of eachcartridge capsule portion 402 have a blow out disc or pre-formedweakened section 403C as defined by internal recess 403E adjacent thepressure chamber portion 406. Each recess 403E operatively aligns withthe rcoilless or partially recoilles weapon sharp edged nozzle 427A(FIG. 48) of the rearwardly enlarging tapering recoil vent 427C providedin the breech or bolt 427.

The ammunition containers of FIG. 49, that are fired in the fixedprojectile, inserted bolt weapon systems of FIGs. 50 and aredistinguished from the FIG. 45 cylindrical clusters in that eachcartridge capsule portion 402 has its cylindrical chamber 403 defined bya through bore to provide an open rearward end 406A adjacent itspressure chamber portion 406 for reception of reduced tip portion 427G(FIGS. 50, 51) on the forward end of the bolt 4278 that islongitudinally translatable in the rotational and longitudinallytranslatable breech member 427. Preferably, a rearward upper wallportion of each capsule propellant chamber 404 is internally recessed at404C to provide a preformed weakened section or blow-out disc 404A inthe full common wall that separates cavities 403 and 404. When eachprimer 409 is actuated or initiated, developed pressure gas blows outthe weakened section or disc 404A and enters pressure chamber 406adjacent the concave recess 427E provided in the forward face of bolttip 427G. With bolt pin 427H slidable in longitudinal slot 427F ofmember 427, the bolt is withdrawn substantially simultaneous withindexing of the associated ammunition cylinder by means not shown, andwhen a replacement ammunition cylinder is required, both withdrawal isfollowed by operative disengagement and engagement of the breech orlocking lugs 425, 426 with the weapon housing lugs 423, 424. Arecoilless or partially recoilless weapon nozzle 427A (FIG. 51) isprovided in bolt 427B at the juncture of the rearwardly enlargingtapered recoil vent 427C and the concave recess 427E.

The multi-cavity ammunition containers of FIG. 52 are distinguished fromthe FIG. 49 ammunition cylinders in that each cartridge capsule portion402 has the upper portion of its cylindrical chamber 403 provided with alengthwise split or slotted wall 403$ (FIGS 52, 52A). A plurality ofcamming or dimple means 403T are provided on the internal surface ofeach pressure chamber portion 406 adjacent the slotted wall 4035 justrearward of each projectile 107. This facilitates the release and barrelchambering of the projectile as the longitudinally translatable bolt 450(FIGS. 53 and 54) cams the dimple means 403T to spread the slotted walland pushes the projectile to its final pre-firing position in barrel420. The internal surface of the housing annular wall 421 is ofappropriate dimensions that sufficient clearance is provided for lateralspreading of the split cylindrical chambers 403 during the projectilebarrel chambering operations. The longitudinal slot 471 of therotational and longitudinally translatable breech member 470 issubstantially longer than slot 427F (FIGS. 50, 51), such that the pin427H on bolt 450 can be accommodated for the intended full stroke of thebolt. The forward end of bolt 450 has a forwardly opening nozzle surface453 that intersects with a concave recess 454 provided on the undersideofthe bolt so that each pressure chamber portion 406 fluidlycommunicates developed pressure gas from the respective propellantchamber 404 with the rearward end of the corresponding projectile 107during operation of both the FIG. 53 closed breech and FIG. 54recoilless or partially recoilless weapon systems. The rearwardlyenlarging tapered recoil vent 456 (FIG. 54) in bolt 450 intersectsconcave recess 454 at the effective recoilless nozzle throat 457.

The unitary or integral multiple cavity ammunition cluster 500 (FIGS.5557) is a rectangular prism which is made of materials similar to theaforementioned multi-cavity cylindrical ammunition containers andincludes a plurality or cluster of cartridge capsule portions 502 thatare integrally arranged in laterally spaced positions across the prismas it is successively moved or fed transversely through the firingchamber 501 (FIG. 58) of a closed breech weapon system having anintegral arrangement for the closed breech or bolt and barrel portions527 and 520, respectively. Each cartridge capsule portion 502 is verysimilar to the cartridge capsule portions 402 of the FIG. 45 ammunitioncylinder. Preferably, a rectangular shaped or elongated cover 511 iscemented to an appropriate receptacle therefor extending across theforwardmost portions of the successively arranged propellant chambers404. While each of the propellant cavities 404 in the FIG. 55 elongatedammunition prism has been formed with a transverse section ofsubstantially rectangular configuration, the propellant cavities 404 ofthe rectangular prism may also be of substantially square, triangularand cylindrical configuration, and the end wall closure or seal 511would not require modification.

The type of multi-cavity ammunition prism 500A (FIG. 59) aredistinguished from the FIG. 5 ammunition prisms 500 in that the rearwardwalls of each cartridge capsule portion 502 for each of the prisms isprovided with a blow out disc or a pre-formed weakened suction 503C asdefined by internal recess 503E adjacent the pressure chamber portion406. Each recess 503E operatively aligns with the recoilless orpartially recoilless weapon sharp edged nozzle 527A (FIG. 62) of therearwardly enlarging tapered recoil vent 527C provided in the boltportion 527.

The type of ammunition prism 5008 (FIG. that are fired in the fixedprojectile, inserted bolt weapon systems of FIGS. 63 and 64, aredistinguished from the FIG. 55 ammunition prisms 500'in that eachcartridge capsule portion 502 has its cylindrical chamber 403 defined bya through bore to provide an open rearward end 406A adjacent itspressure chamber portion 406 for reception of reduced tip portion 527G(FIGS. 63, 64) on the forward end of the bolt 5278 that islongitudinally translatable in breech portion 527. A rearward upper wallportion of each capsule propellant chamber 404 is internally recessed at404C to provide a preformed weakened section or blow-out disc 404A inthe full common wall that separates cavities 403 and 404. When eachprimer 409 is actuated or initiated, developed pressure gas blows outthe weakened section or disc 404A and enters pressure chamber 406adjacent the concave recess 527E provided in the forward face of bolttip 527G. An appropriate pin and slot connection (not shown) betweenbolt 5278 and breech portion 527 enables the bolt to be withdrawnsubstantially simultaneous with indexing or feeding of the associatedammunition prism through chamber 501 by means not shown. Bolt 5278 isalso withdrawn when a replacement ammunition prism is required. Arecoilless or partially recoilless weapon nozzle 527A (FIG. 64) isprovided in bolt 5278 at the juncture of the rearwardly enlargingtapered recoil vent 527C and the concave recess 527E.

The type of ammunition prism 500C (FIG. 61) are distinguished from theFIG. 60 ammunition prisms in that each cartridge capsule portion 502 hasthe upper portion of its cylindrical chamber 403 provided with alengthwise split or slotted wall 4035 and a plurality of camming ordimple means 403T are provided on the internal surface of each pressurechamber portion 406 adjacent the slotted wall 403$ just rearward of eachprojectile 107. This facilitates the release and barrel chambering oftheprojectile as the longitudinally translatable bolt 550 (FIGS. 65 and 66)cams the dimple means 403T to spread the slotted wall and pushes theprojectile to its final pre-firing position in barrel 520. The internalupper surface of the firing chamber 501 is suitably dimensioned thatsufficient clearance is provided for spreading of the slotted walls. Asuitable pin and substantially long slot connection (not shown) betweenbolt 550 and breech portion 527 will enable full longitudinal motion ofthe bolt 550 throughout its intended full stroke. The forward end ofbolt 550 has a forwardly opening nozzle surface 553 that intersects witha concave recess 554 provided on the underside of the bolt so that eachpressure chamber portion 406 fluidly communicates developed pressure gasfrom the respective propellant chamber 404 with the rearward end of thecorresponding projectile 107 during operation of both the FIG. 65 closedbreech and FIG. 66 recoilless or partially recoilless weapon systems.The rearwardly enlarging tapered recoil vent 556 (FIG. 66) in bolt 550intersects concave recess 554 at the effective recoilless nozzle throat557.

Various modifications, changes and alterations may be resorted towithout departing from the scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

I claim: 1. A unitary cluster of cartridge capsules comprising, amultiple cavity container having a plurality of adjacently arrangedcartridge capsule portions, each cartridge capsule portion having anelongated cylindrical chamber defining a forward barrel portion forslidably receiving a corresponding projectile and a pressure chamberportion aligned with and rearward of its barrel portion, a respectivepropellant capsule chamber integral with and laterally offset from eachelongated chamber,

metering orifice means for fluidly communicating each capsule propellantchamber with its corresponding pressure chamber, and

a primer carried by each propellant chamber for igniting respectivecapsule propellant charges.

2. The cluster of cartridge capsules according to claim 1 wherein eachpropellant chamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

3. The structure of claim 2 wherein the transverse sections are ofsubstantially square configuration.

4. The structure of claim 1 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein said container has cover meanssecured to and sealing the forward end of each propellant chamber.

6. The cluster in accordance with claim 5 wherein a rearward wall ofeach pressure chamber portion has a pre-formed weakened section for usewith a recoil vent in breech means of a recoilless system.

7. The structure in accordance with claim 6 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

8. The structure of claim 7 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.

9. The structure of claim 6 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially tri angular configuration.

10. The structure of claim 6 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configuration.

11. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 1 wherein eachpressure chamber portion has an open rearward end, and an upper surfaceof each propellant chamber has a pre-formed weakened section definingsaid metering orifice means.

12. The structure in accordance with claim 11 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

13. The structure of claim 12 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.

14. The structure of claim 11 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

15. The structure of claim 11 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configuration.

16. The structure ofclaim 11 wherein each elongated chamber has alongitudinally slotted wall portion.

17. The structure of claim 16 wherein inwardly protruding dimple meansare located on the internal surface of each pressure chamber portion.

18. The structure in accordance with claim 16 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

19. The structure of claim 18 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.

20. The structure of claim 16 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

21. The structure of claim 16 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configuration.

22. The cluster of cartridge capsules in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid container is substantially a cylindrical ring, and the containerhas an annular ringshaped end closure secured to and sealing the forwardend of each propellant chamber.

23. The cluster of cartridge capsules according to claim 22 wherein eachpropellant chamber has a transversse action of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

24. The structure of claim 23 wherein the transverse sections are ofsubstantially square configuration.

25. The structure of claim 22 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

26. The structure of claim 22 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configuration.

27. The cluster in accordance with claim 22 wherein a rearward wall ofeach'pressure chamber portion has a pre-formed weakened section for usewith a recoil vent in breech means of a recoilless system.

28. The structure in accordance with claim 27 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

29. The structure of claim 28 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.

30. The structure of claim 27 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

31. The structure of claim 27 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configuration.

32. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 22 wherein eachpressure chamber portion has an open rearward end, and an upper surfaceof each propellant chamber has a pre-formed weakened section definingsaid metering orifice means.

33. The structure in accordance with claim 32 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

34. The structure of claim 33 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.

35. The structure of claim 32 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

36. The structure of claim 32 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configura- 37. The structure of claim 32wherein each elongated chamber has a longitudinally slotted wallportion.

38. The structure of claim 37 wherein inwardly protruding dimple meansare located on the internal surface of each pressure chamber portion.

39. The structure in accordance with claim 37 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

40. The structure of claim 39 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.

41. The structure of claim 37 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration. H

42. The structure of claim 37 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially. cylindrical configuration.

43. The cluster of capsules in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidcontainer is substantially a rectangular prism. and the container has arectangular shaped cover secured to and extending across the forward endof each propellant chamber.

44. The cluster of cartridge capsules according to claim 43 wherein eachpropellant chamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

45. The structure of claim 44 wherein the transverse sections are ofsubstantially square configuration.

46. The structure of claim 43 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

47. The structure of claim 43 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configuration.

48. The cluster in accordance with claim 43 wherein a rearward wall ofeach pressure chamber portion has a pre-formed weakened section for usewith a recoil vent in breech means of a recoilless system.

49. The structure in accordance with claim 48 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

50. The structure of claim 49 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.

51. The structure of claim 48 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

52. The structure of claim-48 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configuration.

53. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 43 wherein eachpressure chamber portion has an open rearward end, and an upper surfaceof each propellant chamber has a preformed weakened section definingsaid metering orifice means.

54. The structure in accordance with claim 53 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

55. The structure of claim 54 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.

56. The structure of claim 53 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

57. The structure of claim 53 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configuration.

58. The structure of claim 53 wherein each elongated chamber has alongitudinally slotted wall portion.

59. The structure of claim 58 wherein inwardly protruding dimple meansare located on the internal surface of each pressure chamber portion.

60. The structure in accordance with claim 58 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.

61. The structure of claim 60 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.

62. The structure of claim 58 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially triangular configuration.

63. The structure of claim 58 wherein each propellant chamber is ofsubstantially cylindrical configura-

1. A unitary cluster of cartridge capsules comprising, a multiple cavitycontainer having a plurality of adjacently arranged cartridge capsuleportions, each cartridge capsule portion having an elongated cylindricalchamber defining a forward barrel portion for slidably receiving acorresponding projectile and a pressure chamber portion aligned with andrearward of its barrel portion, a respective propellant capsule chamberintegral with and laterally offset from each elongated chamber, meteriNgorifice means for fluidly communicating each capsule propellant chamberwith its corresponding pressure chamber, and a primer carried by eachpropellant chamber for igniting respective capsule propellant charges.2. The cluster of cartridge capsules according to claim 1 wherein eachpropellant chamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.
 3. The structure of claim 2 wherein the transversesections are of substantially square configuration.
 4. The structure ofclaim 1 wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 5. The structure of claim 1wherein said container has cover means secured to and sealing theforward end of each propellant chamber.
 6. The cluster in accordancewith claim 5 wherein a rearward wall of each pressure chamber portionhas a pre-formed weakened section for use with a recoil vent in breechmeans of a recoilless system.
 7. The structure in accordance with claim6 wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially rectangular configuration.
 8. The structure of claim 7wherein each transverse section is of substantially squareconfiguration.
 9. The structure of claim 6 wherein each propellantchamber has a transverse section of substantially triangularconfiguration.
 10. The structure of claim 6 wherein each propellantchamber is of substantially cylindrical configuration.
 11. The cartridgecapsule in accordance with claim 1 wherein each pressure chamber portionhas an open rearward end, and an upper surface of each propellantchamber has a pre-formed weakened section defining said metering orificemeans.
 12. The structure in accordance with claim 11 wherein eachpropellant chamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.
 13. The structure of claim 12 wherein each transversesection is of substantially square configuration.
 14. The structure ofclaim 11 wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 15. The structure of claim 11wherein each propellant chamber is of substantially cylindricalconfiguration.
 16. The structure of claim 11 wherein each elongatedchamber has a longitudinally slotted wall portion.
 17. The structure ofclaim 16 wherein inwardly protruding dimple means are located on theinternal surface of each pressure chamber portion.
 18. The structure inaccordance with claim 16 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially rectangular configuration.
 19. Thestructure of claim 18 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.
 20. The structure of claim 16wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 21. The structure of claim 16wherein each propellant chamber is of substantially cylindricalconfiguration.
 22. The cluster of cartridge capsules in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said container is substantially a cylindrical ring, andthe container has an annular ring-shaped end closure secured to andsealing the forward end of each propellant chamber.
 23. The cluster ofcartridge capsules according to claim 22 wherein each propellant chamberhas a transversse action of substantially rectangular configuration. 24.The structure of claim 23 wherein the transverse sections are ofsubstantially square configuration.
 25. The structure of claim 22wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 26. The structure of claim 22wherein each propellant chamber is of substantially cylindricalconfiguration.
 27. The cluster in accordance with claim 22 wherein arearward wall of each pressure chamber portion has a pre-formed weakenedsection for use with a recoil vent in breech means of a recoillesssystem.
 28. The structure in accordance with claim 27 wherein eachpropellant chamber has a transverse section of substantially reCtangularconfiguration.
 29. The structure of claim 28 wherein each transversesection is of substantially square configuration.
 30. The structure ofclaim 27 wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 31. The structure of claim 27wherein each propellant chamber is of substantially cylindricalconfiguration.
 32. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 22wherein each pressure chamber portion has an open rearward end, and anupper surface of each propellant chamber has a pre-formed weakenedsection defining said metering orifice means.
 33. The structure inaccordance with claim 32 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially rectangular configuration.
 34. Thestructure of claim 33 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.
 35. The structure of claim 32wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 36. The structure of claim 32wherein each propellant chamber is of substantially cylindricalconfiguration.
 37. The structure of claim 32 wherein each elongatedchamber has a longitudinally slotted wall portion.
 38. The structure ofclaim 37 wherein inwardly protruding dimple means are located on theinternal surface of each pressure chamber portion.
 39. The structure inaccordance with claim 37 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially rectangular configuration.
 40. Thestructure of claim 39 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.
 41. The structure of claim 37wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 42. The structure of claim 37wherein each propellant chamber is of substantially cylindricalconfiguration.
 43. The cluster of capsules in accordance with claim 1wherein said container is substantially a rectangular prism, and thecontainer has a rectangular shaped cover secured to and extending acrossthe forward end of each propellant chamber.
 44. The cluster of cartridgecapsules according to claim 43 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially rectangular configuration.
 45. Thestructure of claim 44 wherein the transverse sections are ofsubstantially square configuration.
 46. The structure of claim 43wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 47. The structure of claim 43wherein each propellant chamber is of substantially cylindricalconfiguration.
 48. The cluster in accordance with claim 43 wherein arearward wall of each pressure chamber portion has a pre-formed weakenedsection for use with a recoil vent in breech means of a recoillesssystem.
 49. The structure in accordance with claim 48 wherein eachpropellant chamber has a transverse section of substantially rectangularconfiguration.
 50. The structure of claim 49 wherein each transversesection is of substantially square configuration.
 51. The structure ofclaim 48 wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 52. The structure of claim 48wherein each propellant chamber is of substantially cylindricalconfiguration.
 53. The cartridge capsule in accordance with claim 43wherein each pressure chamber portion has an open rearward end, and anupper surface of each propellant chamber has a pre-formed weakenedsection defining said metering orifice means.
 54. The structure inaccordance with claim 53 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially rectangular configuration.
 55. Thestructure of claim 54 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.
 56. The structure of claim 53wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 57. The structure of claim 53wherein each propellant chamber is of substaNtially cylindricalconfiguration.
 58. The structure of claim 53 wherein each elongatedchamber has a longitudinally slotted wall portion.
 59. The structure ofclaim 58 wherein inwardly protruding dimple means are located on theinternal surface of each pressure chamber portion.
 60. The structure inaccordance with claim 58 wherein each propellant chamber has atransverse section of substantially rectangular configuration.
 61. Thestructure of claim 60 wherein each transverse section is ofsubstantially square configuration.
 62. The structure of claim 58wherein each propellant chamber has a transverse section ofsubstantially triangular configuration.
 63. The structure of claim 58wherein each propellant chamber is of substantially cylindricalconfiguration.